VISION 2020: HOW GREEN CHEMISTRY CAN SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE SUGAR PROCESSING INDUSTRY

摘要

One of Society's biggest challenges as we enter the new millennium, is the elimination of industrial pollution. It is incumbent upon the research community to explore the inherent benefits of alternative industrial technologies which could reduce the associated environmental, and human health and safety concerns that accompany exposure to industrial pollution and which could lead to sustainable industrial practice. In a joint effort known as Vision 2020, staff members of the U.S. American Chemical Society, the Chemical Manufacturer's Association, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Council for Chemical Research, and the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturer's Association concluded "that the growth and competitive advantage of our industry depend upon individual and collaborative efforts of industry, government, and academe to improve the nation's R&D enterprise." One of the goals listed in the report from this group, Technology Vision 2020: The U.S. Chemical Industry, is to "enable the (chemical) industry to continue to lead in technology development, manufacturing and profitability, while optimizing health and safety and ensuring environmental stewardship." In order to develop a comprehensive international agenda for pollution prevention in industry, we must change the way people think about industrial processes. Green chemistry, engineering, and technology must be integrated into the science and education curriculum at all levels of education so students are exposed to the problems and can learn how to approach solving them. This paper will discuss the concepts of the new paradigm of Green Chemistry, the role of chemists in sustainable industry, and the impact on the sugar processing industry. Aspects of the chemical and agriculture industries which will play major roles in future sustainable technologies will be highlighted.